Here in Berlin, August signifies the arrival of a vacation. But even when kicking back from arduous work, the city is never quiet! There’s a disproportionate amount of celebrations on this month’s calendar, but what can we say, there’s quite a lot to celebrate! We’ve rounded up the usual screenings and lectures of interest, but in this vacation month, we encourage you to cut loose while supporting BIPOC + Queer artistry. Here’s an AWAC guide to the rest of this month. Dancing and singing? All encouraged. Join us!
3rd Interrupted = Cyfem and Queer DAYTIME PROGRAM
Saturday, August 10th 11:00
Aquarium am Südblock, Skalitzer Straße 6, Kreuzberg
Presented by Creamcake, this is the third installment of “<Interrupted = “Cyfem and Queer>”, an experimental symposium dedicated to opening up the conversation surrounding digital space. It seeks to establish itself as “a place for reflection and action at the intersection of media, technology, gender and sexuality, the event aims to formulate strategies for queering the blurred line between science, music and art.” The daytime program features interdisciplinary approaches to cyberfeminism, presented through workshops, lectures, and participatory performances. Check out the full program and presenter bios right here!
NIGHTTIME PROGRAM
Saturday, August 10th, 23:59
OHM, Köpernicker Straße 70, Kreuzberg The day melts into night at OHM where the dance floor is a stage for learning, speculating, getting delightfully lost and found again. Tickets will be available at the door.
House of Living Colors Anniversary celebration
Saturday, August 17th 22:00
Kantine am Berghain, am Wriezener Bahnhof, Friedrichshain
Join Berlin’s first BIPOC drag house in celebrating one year of intergalactic artistry The evening’s program will feature avant-garde drag performances, a screening and discussion of the House of Living Colors documentary by Katrina Singleton, and an all night dance party to ring in many more years of opportunities for BIPOC performers to explore their artistry. This event is open to everyone and tickets will be sold at the door only.
ISUSU Pan African Festival
Friday, August 17th 19:30 – August 24th
Be’kech, Exerzierstraße 14, Wedding
ISUSU is a new festival that aims to bring together people of the African diaspora to celebrate themselves while shedding light on an intersectional, sustainable, and Queer Africa. The festival kicks off at Be’kech with Black to the Future: a celebration of Afrofuturism in music, art, fashion, food, and more. The festival continues throughout the following week with panels, film screenings, community meals, and more opportunities to dance. This event and others are free and open to everyone but donations are strongly encouraged, as all proceeds will go to artists and speakers.
Tanz im August: On the Sofa
Bibliothek im August,
Hallesches Ufer 32, Kreuzberg
On the Sofa is a series of events presented by the sprawling Tanz im August festival. Bringing together artists and other experts, On the Sofa presents discussions of issues in conjunction to the festival program. Happening all month long, the program features history and current events in the context of contemporary dance. These events are free and open to everyone. We’re including some particularly interesting topics below:
#MeToo To Be Continued
Friday, August 16th 19:00
Chiaverini & Robyn Doty (Whistle While You Work) joins Ilse Ghekiere (Engagement Arts) with Brenda Dixon-Gottschild as a moderator.
Questions of Cultural Appropriation in Contemporary Creation
Saturday, August 17th 18:30
Latifa Laâbissi in conversation with Grada Kilomba, moderated by Sandra NoethI
Politaoke is going ON TOUR!
So, these events are outside of Berlin, but very much worth checking out if you’re around. Your favourite non-partisan political speech karaoke bar hits the road beginning on August 23rd. Destination? Sachsen! Join Politaoke for a special batch of shows focusing on the upcoming state elections in Sachsen. They’re featuring speeches from politicians on the ballot – the good, the bad, and the laughably mundane in addition to a colourful international repertoire. Just come to a show, select a speech, and take the mic when your name is called. It’s just like Karaoke but easier since you don’t have to sing, though you are more than welcome to! The tour route and program are still being finalized, so be sure to keep tabs on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and the website to see where they end up!
Friday, August 23rd – Press conference, Neumark, Sachsen
Wednesday, August 28th – Second Attempt e. V., Görlitz
Friday, August 30th – Lokomov, Chemnitz
Sunday, September 1st – GEH8, Dresden